Purchasing Specialist

MedPharm Ltd; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

MedPharm Ltd in Durham, NC is seeking a Purchasing Specialist to lead tactical and strategic procurement of raw materials, APIs, lab consumables, and manufacturing equipment to ensure uninterrupted supply and adherence to regulatory deadlines.

The role partners with Quality Assurance, Warehouse, Manufacturing, and Project Management to resolve supply disruptions, negotiate favorable terms, manage stock levels, and analyze spend for cost savings while maintaining CGMP compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, Life Sciences/Chemistry or equivalent experience.
• 5-7 years of progressive procurement or buyer experience, ideally in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or contract manufacturing sectors. In-depth knowledge of purchasing principles and practices.

Responsibilities

• Procurement Execution: Manage end-to-end procurement from quotes to PO and tracking shipments.
• Vendor Management: Manage supplier relationships, negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules.
• GMP Compliance: Ensure sourced materials meet CGMP guidelines and pharmaceutical standards.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with QA, Warehouse, Manufacturing, and Project Management to resolve supply issues.
• Inventory Control: Monitor stock levels, safety stock, and critical materials to prevent bottlenecks.
• Data Analytics: Analyze spending patterns, market trends, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Record Keeping: Maintain vendor lists, supplier contracts, and pricing histories in an ERP system.
• Cost Savings: Identify opportunities and negotiate favorable terms.

Skills

Procurement execution

Vendor management

GMP compliance

Cross-functional collaboration

Inventory control

Data analytics

Record keeping

Cost savings

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, or Life Sciences/Chemistry

Tools

ERP system

Job description

A Purchasing Specialist drives the tactical and strategic acquisition of raw materials, APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients), laboratory consumables, and manufacturing equipment. They ensure seamless supply chain operations to meet strict client and regulatory deadlines.

Core Responsibilities

• Procurement Execution: Manage the end-to-end procurement process, from evaluating vendor quotes to issuing purchase orders and tracking shipments.
• Vendor Management: Manage supplier relationships, identifying, qualifying, and negotiating with suppliers to secure competitive pricing, favorable terms, and reliable delivery schedules.
• GMP Compliance: Ensure all sourced materials meet strict pharmaceutical standards and follow Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) guidelines.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Quality Assurance, Warehouse, Manufacturing, and Project Management to resolve supply disruptions, quality discrepancies, and invoice issues.
• Inventory Control: Monitor stock levels of critical raw materials, safety stock, and specialized lab supplies to prevent production bottlenecks.
• Data Analytics: Analyze spending patterns, track market trends, and implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality or compliance.
• Record Keeping: Maintain up-to-date documentation on approved vendor lists, supplier contracts, and pricing histories in an ERP system.
• Cost Savings: Identify cost savings opportunities and negotiate price and terms for purchases

Key Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, or a Life Sciences/Chemistry field, OR, similar and equivalent experience.
• Experience: 5-7 years of progressive procurement or buyer experience, ideally in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or contract manufacturing sectors. In-depth knowledge of purchasing principles and practices.